Quinn was home, safe and sound. Kendra read his text for the umpteenth time as her tight muscles began to relax. Evidently he’d figured out that Roxanne had called her and she’d be as concerned as his kids were about his late-night ride. Crazy man.

The text was so Quinn. I’m home, putting my bike away and preparing myself for an ass-chewing from Wes and Pete. Love, Quinn

She’d texted back that she was glad he’d made it. She’d signed hers with the L word, too. She’d figured if he had the courage to be open about how he felt, she could do no less. Just because they couldn’t work this out didn’t mean she’d stop loving him, just as he wouldn’t stop loving her.

Although it was only four his time, it was five hers. She’d showered earlier to try and relax her tense muscles. It hadn’t worked, but now she could pull on clothes and head down to the barn. Might as well get a jump on the day.

She’d made it halfway through the feeding routine when Cody showed up. She’d picked up a hay flake but put it down again. Cody would have questions.

“Hey, Mom!” He glanced around as he walked down the wooden aisle toward her. “Did Quinn leave already?”

“Actually, he left last night.”

“Oh.” He gazed at her, his cheerful smile fading. “That seems…abrupt.”

“It was. But it’s okay. We’ve both realized that we’re not suited to a relationship where we see each other for a couple of days a month.”

“I could have told you that.”

“And I wouldn’t have listened.”

“I’m sorry, Mom.” Nudging back his hat, he gave her a hug. “This sucks.”

“It does, but you know what? Having Quinn around was fun while it lasted. And now I can concentrate on important stuff like your wedding and the baby. Speaking of that, how’s Faith this morning?”

“Still barfing, poor woman. Evidently I hover too much, so she told me to go feed and leave her to upchuck in peace. That’s why I’m here a little early. Not as early as you, though.”

“You know me. Working in the barn is my therapy.”

“Mine and Zane’s, too. And speaking of the devil, here he comes. Hey, bro!”

“Hey, you two. Where’s Quinn?”

“I’ll let Mom fill you in. I’ll get started on the new barn. Come on over when you’re done here.”

Zane nodded. “It’s you and Jim for the trail ride today, right?”

“Yep.”

“And a family dinner tonight?” Zane looked to her for confirmation.

“That’s the plan. Six o’clock.”

“Pot luck?”

“You know, we’d better do that. I haven’t given much thought to groceries recently.”

“No problem. Mandy and I will come up with something and Aunt Jo’s always looking for an excuse to bake.”

“Faith and I will bring our world-famous chicken,” Cody said. “See you two later.”

“Be there in a few!” Zane called before turning in her direction. “Are you okay?”

She took a deep breath. “Yes. And the situation with Quinn is…over.”

“Over?” He frowned. “But you two seemed so happy.”

“Like I told Cody, we wouldn’t be so happy if we only saw each other once a month or so. Good thing we realized it before we got in any deeper.”

“Huh.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “So that’s it? He won’t be around anymore?”

“No, he won’t.” She ignored the sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. “It’s for the best.”

“I suppose. Although I was sort of getting used to the guy.”

That made her smile. “Are you saying you’ll miss him?”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” He studied her. “But you’ll miss him. I can tell that.”

“For a while. I’ll get over it.”

“Well, sure. You’re a strong lady. You can handle anything.”

“Not quite true, but thank you. I can handle most things, including this.”

“It’s just that while he was here you were so…smiley and stuff. I mean, you’re always upbeat and cheerful, but he really made your eyes sparkle.”

What to say to that?

“I mean, maybe this didn’t work out, but what if someone else comes along, someone who lives in the area?”

I don’t want someone else. “I guess anything’s possible.”

“That’s all I’m saying. I think Quinn made all of us look at things a little differently.”

“Good.”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“I have a favor to ask, though.”

“Name it.”

“I’d like you and Cody to spread the word before we all get together tonight. Never mind Aunt Jo. I’ll talk to her this morning. But if you could let everyone else in the family know that the Quinn episode is over and I’d rather not discuss it, that would be a huge help.”

“We can do that.”

“Thanks. For the next week, I want the focus to be on Faith and Cody.” She smiled. “And the munchkin.”

“You’ve got it.”

Jo opened the door of her condo, took one look at Kendra and folded her into a bear hug. “Oh, honey.”

Kendra lost it. She’d stoically refused to cry after Quinn had ridden away, but lack of sleep and the warm understanding of her best friend stripped her of her defenses. Pacing the length of Jo’s living room, she poured out her frustration and misery between sobs.

“Jo, the man’s perfect! Magnificent lover, considerate friend, gorgeous body, and he happens to live in damned Spokane! Why does he have to live in stupid Spokane?”

Jo sat on the sofa and listened, making small noises of comfort as Kendra raged.

“And why does he have to be so wonderful?” She glared at Jo, who just shrugged and looked sympathetic, so she barreled on. “It’s like finding the most beautiful pastry that you know is more delicious than anything you’ve ever tasted, and you can’t have it!”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry, too! Zane thinks someone else will come along. Ha! There’s not another man in the world like Quinn Sawyer.” She choked out the words. “Nobody can kiss like that man. And I’ll never kiss him again!”

She stomped and ranted for a little while longer, but eventually she ran out of steam. Coming to a halt, she faced Jo. “That’s it.” Her voice was nasally and hoarse. “I’m done. You got any cake?”

“Well, duh. Go in the bathroom and splash water on your face. I’ll have it dished by the time you come back. I assume you want coffee.”

She gave Jo a semblance of a smile. “Well, duh.”

They sat in Jo’s cute little dining nook, so different from the massive pine table and dining area she’d had in the house now owned by Zane and Mandy.

Kendra attacked the large slice of chocolate cake with a vengeance and asked for a second piece.

“Didn’t you eat breakfast?”

“Didn’t feel like it.”

“Want me to scramble you some eggs?”

“No, thanks. Cake is exactly what I need.” She finished off the second piece and sat back with a sigh. “Do you think chocolate cake could take the place of great sex?”

“No.”

“You’re supposed to say yes. Give me something to cling to.” She gazed at Jo. “I’ve never had so much fun in bed. Not even with Ian.”

“I believe you. Quinn’s had more time to get really good at it.”

“That’s the damned truth.” She groaned and buried her face in her hands.

“Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider the once-a-month deal?”

She lifted her head and met Jo’s gaze. “Don’t think I haven’t thought that myself. But no, I’m sure. The sex is good partly because we’ve fallen in love with each other. That plan would turn me into a whiny, needy bitch. I’d ruin everything.”

“So what now?”

“I’ll concentrate on Cody and Faith’s wedding.” She reached over and squeezed Jo’s arm. “Thanks for letting me decompress. I really needed that.”

“Yes, you did, and you’re welcome.”

“Will you tell the others about this for me?”

“Sure.”

“Normally I’d suggest a meeting of the Whine and Cheese Club, but with all the last-minute details of the wedding to handle this week, I don’t think there’s time.”

“The week after the wedding we’ll call a meeting and get smashed.”

“Good idea.” She left her chair and poured herself another cup of coffee. “Want more?”

Jo held out her mug. “Hit me.”

“You know what else was great about having Quinn around?” She sat at the table and cradled her coffee mug.

“He scratched your back?”

“Well, yes, he did that, and he’s an excellent back scratcher. You know how some guys don’t take direction well in that department?”

“I do know.”

“Quinn goes right to the spot and keeps scratching until I ask him to stop.”

“Then he’s a prince among men.”

“He is, but that wasn’t the big thing I wanted to mention. What makes me love him all the more—he made me forget I’m about to become a grandma.”

“Ah.” Jo smiled. “That is a talent. If the Sacred Ouija Board is right, I’m going to be right behind you. That hit me kind of hard, too.”

“We’re not that old, right?”

“We might be old enough, but I don’t feel grandmotherly.”

“Me, either. Cody asked me to come up with a name I want to be called, like nana or something.”

“Did you?”

“Not then. I told him we had plenty of time, but last night, while I was sweating out whether Quinn would make it home okay, I figured out what I want to be called.”

“Which is?”

“Gramma Ken.”

Jo started to laugh. “Gramma Ken! I love it. You’ll confuse the hell out of people.”

“I know. It’ll be awesome.”

“Oh, wait, I just thought of something. You’ll be Gramma Ken, and if Mandy gets pregnant, I can be Gramma Jo.”

“Excellent!” Kendra grinned and gave her a high-five. “This grandma gig is sounding better and better.” She gave her friend a fond glance. “You’re a great friend, Jo Fielding.”

“Backatcha, Kendra McGavin. Think you’ll live?”

“Yes, ma’am, thanks to you.”